New rabbit not eating

[JessicaR]

I got a 3 month old new Zealand red doe yesterday, and she has not ate yet, and I am not sure if she has drank anything. Is there anything I can give her to perk up her appetite? Oh and she is eating the same thing the breeder fed her, so no change there.

 

[MaggieJ]

A few leaves of very safe plants (plantain, blackberry, raspberry or strawberry) may do the trick. Tear or bruise the leaves a bit so bunny can smell them better. A bit of kitchen oatmeal might work. As for beverages, some rabbits get excited about half-strength black tea or chamomile tea or watered down Gatorade. You don't want her to go very long without drinking.

Another thought... Are you using a crock or a bottle? Rabbits used to only a crock may not easily adapt to a bottle. If a rabbit doesn't drink, it won't eat.

 

[Kyle@theWintertime]

Another thought... Are you using a crock or a bottle? Rabbits used to only a crock may not easily adapt to a bottle. If a rabbit doesn't drink, it won't eat.

:yeahthat: Most of mine do not know how to drink from a bottle...they grew up with crocks only.

I'll second the watered-down gatorade...a little bit in some water at a show (where I especially worry they will dehydrate) and mine slurp it right down. Mine seem to like red-colored cherry or berry punch flavor.

I'd also postulate that your bun might be a little stressed...going to a new home can be really scary, so your new rabbit might just be a little scared. It may take some time for the new bunny to calm down and have something to eat.

 

[Desert Rose Rabbits]

When I brought Red home, he didn't eat for two days. I was really worried, but by day 3 he was eating his pellets. By day 5 he was munching on the greens I'd put in his cage. It's most likely just stress.

 

[JessicaR]

Thanks! I will try the plants. Right now she has a bowl for her water, but she is used to an automatic water system. I am going to add a water bottle today, I didn't have any extra so I have to go get one today. Hopefully that will help.

 

[Secuono]

1-4 days is normal for a new rabbit to refuse to eat. They should still drink, unless they are not used to a bottle. Never had a rabbit not know what to do with a bowl of water, it's natural, so they learn to use it instantly. But if she isn't eating and it's not hot, they won't drink much, there's no need to.
I give them a few leaves on day 2 of no eating, plantain or regular grass. Only had 2 rabbits that didn't like grass, but they ate it when they got hairballs. :/

 

[JessicaR]

she wont touch the plantain and still not drinking. What has me worried is tomorrow it is going to heat up big time, 94 with a heat index of 100! I may have to bring her inside for a couple of days.

 

[amandainohio24]

I did not know we were going to get that hot! Did you get a water bottle to have her try? I would think changing from an automatic water system to a bottle would be fairly easy for them to do.

 

[JessicaR]

yup got both a bowl and bottle. Hopefully she will come out of it, like I said she can always come inside for a few days, if needed. It is supposed to be in the 90's Tuesday and Wednesday then Thursday is supposed to be low 80's Friday a whopping 68 :shock: Got to love this Ohio weather!! Good thing I still have some 2 litter bottles frozen for the bunrabs

 

[MaggieJ]

I'd try the tea or gatorade, well diluted, even if it means adding a second crock. With that kind of heat coming, she needs to drink.

If you have some parsley, try that. It is more aromatic than plantain and it is supposed to spur the appetite.

 

[JessicaR]

just thought I would give an update. Finally after having her for a week she is starting to eat and drink! She is still on the thin side, but she is more active now :bunnyhop:

 

[ckcs]

Glad to hear she is improving